Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has been criticised by a court for failing to provide
adequate documentation in the latest chapter in his litigious battles with
former easyGroup executives.

Master Kay at the High Court gave the easyJet founder a month to improve his disclosure in a case relating to the departure of Nick Manoudakis, an-ex easyGroup finance director. The court said that unless Sir Stelios "complies with the order of 9 February 2011" and serves the appropriate documents by May 18, "then the defence and counterclaim shall stand struck out". Mr Manoudakis would then "be entitled to apply for judgment".

Mr Manoudakis claims he is owed £78,000 after his easyGroup contract was terminated by way of a compromise agreement. He also had a consultancy agreement with the group.

Sir Stelios responded with a defence and counterclaim, saying he refused to pay the balance of the consultancy fees because Mr Manoudakis allegedly used "company credit cards to discharge personal expenditure". His counter-claim calls for Mr Manoudakis to repay the £11,500 he has already received and refund "unauthorised" expenses, pension and termination payments.

While Mr Manoudakis declined to comment, his solicitor, Luke Harrison at Debenhams Ottaway, said: "It is disappointing that easyGroup failed to comply with Court directions which has delayed the matter going to trial until later in the year. Nick has always been keen to reach an amicable resolution and remains willing to enter into settlement dialogue with Sir Stelios".

The easyJet founder said: "As this is now more than 6 years after the event, it may take longer to find the credit card vouchers with the expense abuses."

Sir Stelios has become embroiled in legal cases with several ex-employees after a year in which the heads of five of his easyGroup companies have either quit or been fired. He is contesting all claims.